A Thousand Years
AN: I lied. This is practically maybe going to be a three shot story. DUN. DUN. DUN. So yeah, more cliffhangers and whatnot. This story is still dedicated to my awesome best friends. As promised, all the Drama/Romance/Angst happens here. I do not own Pokemon, the characters in the story and the song; "A Thousand Years". Partial AU Pokeshipping. I'm sorry if it's a bit delayed. The Holidays have swept me away from my laptop. Anyway, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Enjoy! ~
Cause there'll be no more sunlight
if I lose you, baby
There'll be no clear skies
if I lose you, baby
Just like the clouds,
My eyes will do the same if you walk away
Everyday, it will rain, rain, rain
~ It Will Rain (Bruno Mars)
"Congratulations, by the way," Misty told him right after they relented from each other. "I guess all those years of training had finally paid off."
He laughed in response. "Wow, Misty, it's almost as if it seemed like I wasn't a good enough trainer before."
"You had your moments," Misty shrugged with a sly smile. "But I'm sure you've changed a whole lot after Johto."
"You bet I did," Ash replied, grinning like a maniac. "I'm the Unova League Champion, remember? Things have been... really different since then after Johto."
Misty arched an eye brow. "How so?"
Almost as if a burden, he felt like swallowing a giant pill of pain which would eventually break the ice of his gut. Ash could remember all those years of starting out on a new region without Misty. Without Misty, of how Ash thinks by then, things were different. There was no... what do you call it, then? No... no life? Ash's mind cringed; no, that's not the word. What did he feel without Misty? Empty... Alone... Pained... Regret... Uninspired, maybe? All of the rest may be an option, but the one thing he truly felt... was longing.
He longed and yearned for her. What if, if only, if... that's where all the regrets begin, doesn't it? If only they went straight to Pallet before arriving at the Pokemon Center that dreadful day of the separation. What if he ran for Misty that very day to take her with him on his next journey? If he hadn't been so stupid about Misty leaving... none of this would have happened.
But sometimes, as they say is true. Every mistake comes with a blessing and it only happens verbally to those who deserve it. But due to all that he had been through; from the run down in Hoenn to the Championship in Unova, what would have happened then if Misty were with him? He couldn't imagine the changes if Misty were there.
But... if she were there, sometime in another life, would he have confessed what he truly felt? Throughout his years of being with Misty, his unconditional feelings had taken a turn when they fought against each other at the Whirlpool Island. It was then, that night before their duel, had his feelings stirred - it all started unexpectedly. As Ash reminisce, something still made him think of reality, think of now than before.
I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I love you for a thousand more
"Oh, you know... uh..." He stammered articulately. What was he going to say? He never felt this nervous before. He thought he was ready to face her again. He thought he could handle things; all the way it was before. But he thought wrong and should have asked for the continuation of Brock's endeavor on Misty's coming. "It's just... well..."
"It's been a while," Brock answered for Ash just as he was nearing the door. Brock grinned at Ash who was at the current state of rubbing his head. Then, he turned to the red head who had sweat dropped at the awkwardness. "Oh, hey there Misty."
Misty smiled. "Hey Brock."
"Ash!" Delia's voice resounded from the Kitchen at the other side of the room. "Is someone at the door?"
"Yeah, Mom!" Ash called back. "Misty's here!"
"Misty?" Delia asked aloud. Before Ash could reply to his busy Mother, Delia had run out of the Kitchen to meet Misty.
Delia squeezed Misty into a motherly hug. A hug - Ash guessed - Misty hadn't had in ages seeing from her current state as the red head hugged his Mother back.
"Misty, it is so good to see you again," Delia sighed. "Would you like to stay for Lunch? We're having it in 10 minutes."
Misty agreed in delight. "I would love to, Mrs. Ketchum."
Ash made way for Misty, who at the moment was a bit baffled from Ash's response. Did Ash screw up? Was it that so hard to reply to how things changed without her? Of course it wasn't! But did he even say anything at all? Sure he stammered in an articulate manner, but... a decent sentence? How stupid can he be? He didn't know what the hell was happening to him. He had never felt so nervous about a girl before. Well, except his Mom when withheld or restricted, but that's out of the line. Ash had never felt so... distracted.
As Misty entered the residence, he couldn't help but stare at the to and fro of Misty's ponytail and how much she'd grown... it was too much to comprehend. But a relief to know that somehow things will be back the way it was... like in the good old days.
"Dumbfounded, my dear friend?" Brock asked, breaking into Ash's fantasy.
Ash shook his head almost a bit too quickly. "What? No. Seriously, Brock, you have got to stop sneaking up on me."
"I'm sorry," Brock said in fake sympathy and grinned as he waited for Misty to enter. As soon as she was out of ear shot, Brock whispered to his friend, "I didn't know Unova's League Champion was in love."
"What?" Ash asked, half innocently and half nervously. "What are you talking about?"
This made Brock's grin widen. "You know what I mean."
"Are you out of your mind?" Ash said in defiance, although the nervous wreck in his voice was readable. "Me? Fall in love? You must be fantasizing too much, Brock. That's your job, not mine."
"So it would be fine if I tell Misty..." Brock fantasized a while before an evil smile brimmed upon the Pewter Gym Leader's face. "About what I feel for her?"
"What are you trying to imply?" Ash asked, completely confused but was starting to get the idea.
"Like, say, tell her I love her?" Brock said straight forwardly. But before Brock could continue to connect his sentence with two and one, Ash had already exploded in a massive fit.
"WHY WOULD YOU THAT?" Ash yelled, eyes wide in horror. He couldn't believe. Would Brock really do that? He himself was surprised at how sudden his outburst was. Was he... jealous? No, he couldn't be. But despite everything that has happened... could it be?
"Why the reaction?" Brock laughed, holding his sides to emphasize how much the laughter will cause him his death. After a few seconds, Brock had stopped laughing; but chuckles still resounded from his lips. "I mean... unless you consider doing it..."
"Doing what?" Ash asked, still confused. He had never learned when it comes to listening though; one that was a force of habit.
"I knew it all along." Brock shook his head, grinning. "You love Misty."
"Of course I love her," Ash said which almost made Brock fall. "I love her as a friend."
Brock arched an eye brow, trying to break his fall. "Seriously? That's preposterous. I know you have feelings for her and I'm very sure she has them in return. Come on, there's gotta be something in there."
"What's there to pry?" Ash asked. Okay, it was starting to sound crazy upon Ash's reaction, but deep inside he wanted to know if those feelings were real. He wasn't sure yet and he wanted to make sure those feelings were right before he hurts Misty.
Brock sighed, shaking his head. "You have no idea how lucky you are."
It was ironic how Rudy (if any of you still remember), said almost the same thing when Rudy let Misty go.
Misty almost dropped her entire jaw upon hearing Ash and Brock's conversation.
"Of course I love her," Ash said which almost made Brock fall.
She had almost believed it and her heart had skipped a beat as soon as it reached her ears. She would have rejoiced and run up to Ash telling him she loves him too. But, as they say, all must be heard before coming up to conclusion. Apparently, she just got hit by the saying.
"I love her as a friend."
Little did Ash know of how the final sentence broke Misty's heart. After all those years... all Ash ever saw in her was... a friend. Nothing more than just a friend. Misty should have known all along. But the foolish hopeless romantic she was, she never gave up. At least by then, fate had answered her "waited for a decade" answer. He loves her... as a friend. Typical, yet it crippled the veins in her heart. She felt so weak. So... broken. It was all too much to process. She always thought, maybe, after a few years, Ash would realize. But no, he just started to act like the 10 year old boy she fished out from the river 13 years ago.
"So Misty," Delia started as she opened a pot of boiling Beef Broth. "How have you been doing?"
Misty smiled despite her broken inner emotions. "Never better, Mrs. Ketchum. It's always the same... taking care of the gym, battling 10 year old's - if not 10 year old's then older than 15. It's been going on for years."
"Aren't you having a hard time being the Gym Leader?" Delia asked, ordering Mr. Mime to check on the Chicken Casserole in the oven.
"Well, it is hard battling trainers which seems to be a force of habit," Misty shrugged. "But... ah, the role is hereditary and at time a bit by force. But I got used to it anyway."
"Let me guess," Delia pondered out loud, which caused Misty to stir uncomfortably from where she stood beside the frame of the arch that by means is the entrance and exit of the kitchen. "You never took a break, or, at least, a vacation?"
Misty bit her lip. "A break, for the taking. But... a vacation? I hardly doubt my sisters would give me the chance to."
Delia paused for a brief moment and Misty cringed, afraid that she might have said something to change Delia's current impression on the new Misty. Ash's mother turned to look at the orange headed Gym leader, searching her face. Misty did everything to remain calm and act natural. Misty knew Mrs. Ketchum for years and if there's one thing she knew what to do around the single Mother, is that she should act like her pauses are just some kind of... unnatural test.
When Misty thought she was going to get the worst out of Delia, well, apparently, she heard something quite unexpected yet at the same time, just as natural.
"Maybe you should travel with Ash again." Delia concluded after a few moments of studying the Gym leader. Instinctively, Misty sat on one of the chairs before the table, arching an elegant yet respectful eyebrow at Ash's mom. Strange.
"Is Ash planning to travel again?" Misty asked. For all Misty knew, if Ash would have won as Champion at a League, he would stop traveling and rather settle in. This, Misty feared, surprised her quite nauseously. "I mean, not that it's a bad idea or anything, it's just..."
"Well, I'm not even sure myself." Delia replied abruptly, yet quick enough to cut off Misty's sentence. "I mean, usually, his pride wouldn't go to a level when he chooses to stop traveling because he's already the master," Ash's mother laughed for a moment before continuing, "For all I know, I think he's going to settle in. Find a woman he might be interested in, get married, have kids and well, pass down his inheritance to his children."
"Ooh," Misty's voice faltered, looking away to avoid Delia's longing stares.
And the conversation ended there. Well, for now, Misty feared.
Hours later, few of Ash's well-known friends have arrived. Misty knew, well, little of them. Of course she remembered May and Max, then there's Dawn who in which Ash mentioned through his previous letters when he was in Sinnoh. Drew came, of course, and Paul, then there's Kenny: for all three, Ash still mentioned through his letters. They've all seemed to grow - the one's Misty knew - looked more mature than a few years back which made Misty feel a lot older than any of them. What caught Misty's tongue were the two other companies that came that Misty never knew, recognized or even heard of from Ash. Of course she hadn't. Ash had stopped sending her letters ever since he started to travel in Unova.
The two were of different genders. Misty recognized the highly fashionable boy first who moved through the crowd and slowly retreated to the kitchen. The boy had green cropped hair, an oval face with beady green eyes. He looked very decent and at the same time fashionable with his outstanding designer black and white suit. A green looking monkey that looked like an evolved form of Aipom sat on the boy's shoulder, happily interacting with other Pokemon that they passed through.
Misty was suddenly pulled out of the little crowd of people in the living room by a mysterious person. As soon as the fog of companies cleared, Misty blinked as she saw Ash holding her wrist in the light of the kitchen. She arched an eyebrow at the 23 year old mature Unova Champion who grinned sheepishly at her as he slowly moved them to the table where she saw the two companies she's been pondering about.
"Misty, I'd like you to meet Cilan," Ash introduced as he put his other hand on Cilan's shoulder. Ash smiled at Cilan. "Cilan, meet Misty."
"Bonjour, mademoiselle!" Cilan greeted Misty in a cheeky voice. Ash had let go of her wrist as Cilan took the other and shook her hand voluntarily. "It's a pleasure to meet you! Oh, I've heard so much about you! You have no idea how much Ash has told me - "
"Cilan," Ash cut Cilan off who laughed melodiously, causing the Unova Champion to flush from embarrassment.
"Oops," Cilan said almost a bit too sarcastically. "I guess I wasn't supposed to say that."
Ash cleared his throat and stepped a bit away from Cilan to introduce the girl to Misty. The girl, Misty observed, was short but not stout, practically fit for, say, a 20 year old, not good for approaching to as a "girl". The woman's hair was indigo colored, almost a bit pig tailed like Misty used to wear them. Her hair was huge and fluffy, reaching down to her waist. She was slightly tan and had the loveliest purple eyes. She looked beautiful in an ivory colored ritual dress which fit her charming physique. Misty swallowed. She feared this girl might be Ash's bride to wed.
"This is Iris," Ash said with a smile. "She can be way more hyper than Cil - "
"Hi!" Iris said as she took both of Misty's hand and shook them with delight. "Iris Masterson's the name. It's such a pleasure to meet you. Gosh, well, as Cilan had just said, I've heard so much about you. Actually, so much more than I did of May and... what's that blue-haired girl's name? Dawn? Ah yes, Dawn! Ha! I always admired you from afar even though I haven't met you in personal and now," Iris giggled. "You're here! Misty, it's an honor, truly, to meet you."
Instead of getting mad or acting weirded out, Misty laughed in enthusiastic measures which, from the peripheral vision of Misty's left eye, she saw Ash breath out a sigh of relief - but he was still uncomfortable. Misty ignored him for a while before turning to Iris. "The pleasure's all mine, Iris. It's great to meet you."
Iris let go of Misty's right hand and took her left wrist. "Come with me, we have much to talk about!"
Misty arched an eye brow and this time turned to Ash who was alerted by Iris's sudden invitation of prolonging the introductions.
"Um, Iris, I think Misty needs to, uh, sewer down a little," Ash told his cheerful friend for a woman. "She's been here for hours and..."
"Oh nonsense, Ketchum!" Iris chipped up as she laughed. "She looks as healthy as a lovely Luvdisc! And besides," Iris suddenly frowned at Ash. "Girl talk. None of your business."
Ash raised his hands up in surrender. Misty gave Ash a look and almost wanted to kill him when his expression meant sorry in fake sympathy. Ash grinned at Misty before she was dragged by Iris back to the crowded place.
The living room was like a never-ending Labyrinth. Even though Ash only invited a few, the living room was jam packed with people she knew and people she tried to remember. As soon as Misty and Iris reached the back doors, they arrived at Mrs. Ketchum's little garden. Surprisingly and almost a bit coincidentally, May and Dawn were there, chattering up like they haven't seen each other in a thousand years.
Upon hearing other company, May and Dawn turned to look at them. May was the first to react and she practically screamed, running up to Misty to give her old friend a hug. It was warm, welcoming and surprisingly tight. Misty knew that May had wide admiration's for her and instead of feeling a bit embarrassed about it, she felt quite proud. So she hugged May back.
"Misty, oh goodness, it's so good to see you again!" May said as she pulled away from Misty. "It's been such a long time! How have you been?"
"Better, at the very least," Misty smiled. "How have you been?"
"She's been better than better," Dawn interrupted as she neared the girls. The dark-haired trainer turned to smile at Misty. "It's lovely seeing you in person, Misty."
Misty grinned. "And you look just as gorgeous, possibly better than in the PA when I first talked to you."
Dawn laughed. "I've had worst."
"So what is it that you mentioned about May?" Misty asked, arching an elegant eyebrow.
"Oh, that." Dawn shook her head, giggling. "Well, she's uh..."
"I'm ENGAGED!" May announced before Dawn could say anything more. Dawn sighed, sounding hopeless as she just smiled at May who was jumping up and down in excitement.
"Oh my Ho-oh!" Misty exclaimed, laughing as she took May's left hand and looked at the silver ring that enveloped around the brown haired girl's ring finger. It was pure diamond, definitely, no doubt about it. Pure silver indeed as well. Whoever bought this must really meant May his world.
"Who's the lucky guy?" Misty asked cheerfully, staring at the lovely bond on May's finger, admiring it's sparkle and beauty.
"Drew." May cooed. Misty's eyes gleamed in enthusiast as she squealed and giggled with May. A few minutes later, Dawn and Iris had join the pair as they talked about May's engagement. Misty was practically surprised. Even though May was like an acquaintance, she still treated her like a best friend despite her sending letters to Misty as well during their journeys in Hoenn. She was updated even if she and Mays's friendship was long distanced and non-verbal.
Misty had to be honest though. She was, well, always was jealous of May and Dawn, especially this newly introduced girl Iris. She feared that one of them might have caught Ash's attention. It was hard to be insecure about it though. May, the lovely brown headed blue eyed coordinator. Practically one who's achieved more than Misty would have. Then there's Dawn, the almost too perfect princess with her dark blue hair and sparkly blue eyes. The coordinator was royalty level, only no one could see it. Then of course, last but not the very least, the new girl - Iris. Misty had to admit she was quite the beautiful woman, Ash would have fallen head over heels for her. Purple haired and brown eyed, plus, a black beauty? What man wouldn't fall for that?
As Misty pondered over this, she wondered that coming to see Ash was, well, all worth it.
"Enough about me," May laughed as she was still getting filled up of questions from Dawn. The brown haired trainer turned to look at Misty who was trying all her best to avoid any subject about Ash Ketch -
"So Misty," Dawn started, finally getting over the whole 'May is engaged, oh my goodness, let's celebrate and have a party or whatever' jazz. "Any story about Ash?"
Misty flushed. Well, crap. "What do you mean?"
"Oh, quit playing you silly old Psyduck," May laughed melodiously. "I, well, we all know about the letters."
"You've read the letters?" Misty exclaimed in surprise, causing the three girls to push her against the wall of the house and close her mouth with their hands. When Misty tried to struggle, they let go. Misty breathed in and out, trying to catch her breath.
"Be quiet," Iris hissed at her lowest voice possible. "If Ash finds out, the three of us are dead."
"What are you guys now, his stalkers or something?" Misty asked in disbelief.
Dawn shook her head. "We read them by accident. Most of us just catches him sleeping with a letter under his pillow, the letter, being from you."
Misty arched an eyebrow at the three. "He keeps my letters under his pillow?"
Iris nodded. "Every single time."
"I tried to corner him once about it," May said. "He just keeps saying It's none of your business and Did you read them? Of course, all of us lied."
Misty blinked. "So? What does it have to do with stories of Ash?"
Dawn grinned, causing Iris and May to laugh, leaving Misty perpetually confused.
"Well, we just thought, maybe..." Dawn started, saying it slowly yet surely. "You two have this sort of "connection" with each other."
"You know..." May backed up. "Like, say, romantic connection."
Misty blushed, causing Iris and the rest of the girls to grin. The orange-headed gym leader turned away from them, stuttering articulately, "I... I don't know w-what you're talking about..."
"Oh, let's skip the drama and get on with it." Iris said as she leaned in closer. "So... is there?"
Misty answered, yet her eyes reached the soft greenery of fresh grass below her. "I've... liked him for such a long time..."
"I KNEW IT!" May exclaimed, causing Dawn and Iris to hiss at her to shut her up.
Misty flushed again, this time more scarlet than a tomato. "But I'm curious though... has any of you ever... liked, well, Ash?"
There was silence at first. Iris, May and Dawn looking at each other for approval or if any of them will break it down to Misty first. Instead, after a few moments, the three of them laughed, causing Misty to look up at them with confusion written all over her face.
May shook her head, laughing in the process. "Geez Misty, that question is practically price less!"
"Preposterous, even," Dawn added, throwing her head back in laughter.
Iris was the first to calm down. "Honestly, none of us really liked him that much. Sure he's handsome, strong, heroic and all."
"But as soon as he discussed about you," Dawn continued, refraining from the fit of laughter she was once in. "We didn't have hope at all. It was so obvious Ash likes you."
"A lot," May concluded, Iris and Dawn nodding in the process.
Misty couldn't believe what she was hearing. All these three girls were Ash's companions alongside when she wasn't there for him. Yet, despite Ash's unconditional charms, at least none of them ever fell for the guy. Such a pity, but a relief at the same time. Thankful enough, what she feared was not an open theory nor was it proven elsewhere. It was all just a simple myth. But if Iris, May and Dawn never felt for Ash, then that leaves Ash to at the very least to fall for one of them. Maybe even all of them despite the time she hasn't been traveling with him.
Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath
Every hour has come to this
One step closer
"Girls!" Mrs. Delia Ketchum called out as she exited the house to arrive at her garden. This caused the girls to stir in a proper manner than acting like immature ladies. As soon as Delia found them, she breathed out a sigh of relief.
"It's time for Ash's announcement." Delia told them, causing Iris, Dawn and May to turn and look at Misty. Misty, who was practically stared at, just nodded in response.
Sooner then, they arrived at Ketchum Residence's backyard where every single person Ash knew was there. Misty's heart thudded hard against her chest. She was really nervous, for no apparent reason. It was her instincts again. She had bet to herself and to her heart that something bad was going to happen.
"Are you really going to break it down to her and everyone else that easily?" Brock asked as he watched his skeptical friend pacing near the buffet full of delicious and exquisite food all cooked by his mother.
Of all times to break it down to Misty, why does it have to be now? Ash asked himself as he paused in front of the Turkey his mother had prepared. He will regret doing this. After everything that they've been through, Ash was just going to put Misty through what he was about to say? It will crush and pummel her, which Ash will regret ever so dearly. He hadn't wanted it to happen today, but his Mother had forced him to. His mother had said it was for the best of everybody, even Misty's.
Ash swallowed as soon as his mother called everyone's attention to silence.
"Our champion has something to say." Delia said with a smile as she took her son's hand and led him in the middle of the crowd. Everyone silenced. Ash turned from left and right, trying to find Misty but to no avail. He sighed, trying to compose himself. Here goes nothing at all.
"Being the Unova Champion has brought me great honor," Ash started, staring at each of the faces he's once been with through his journeys, his hardships, his achievements and all of what he worked for. These people had made Pokemon training worth it all. "I thank you all for coming to this little yet wonderful festivity my mother had put up together. If it weren't for my friends - if it weren't for all of you, I wouldn't have made it this far to become a Champion." Ash paused for a short while before continuing. "Although much time has passed since I've been here, I still and will never forget Pallet Town. The home of my dreams, my heart and... my world." Again, Ash tried to search the crowd, looking for a familiar orange headed gym leader. Still, there was none to be found. "The law in Unova has passed that all leading Champions must..."
Ash stopped for a brief moment as he took in the sight of Misty. She, not like him, was amused to see him doing such a speech in front of a crowd. Little did Misty know of whatever Ash was going to say may cause her to debrief and leave him alone, well, forever.
"Live permanently in Unova even if my position has been replaced. It cannot be broken unless the said Champion doesn't want to." Ash looked down, trying to avoid everyone's longing stares. "Unfortunately, I have already signed my contract. It's goodbye forever to Pallet and a better, hopefully brighter future in... Unova."
Murmurs erupted in the quiet clearing. A few moments after, Ash tilted his head to find Misty again. From where Misty was, there appeared Dawn, Iris and May who looked at him in dismay.
Little did Ash know that Misty had run off of Ketchum's Residence and quickly directed back to Cerulean.
All this money can't buy me a time machine,
Can't replace you with a million rings,
I should have told you what you meant to me,
Cause now I pay the price, in another life.
~ The One That Got Away (Katy Perry)
A/N: I know. I'm sorry, I'm really that mean to you. Leaving you with such a crucial cliffhanger, but it's part of the story. Again, I completely apologize for having to be MIA over this story for a few weeks - I had to fix some "family problems" at home and I have no strength or inspiration to write. But now I'm back, although the problems at home are still a bit epidemic to my writing skills, still, I will not stop writing A Thousand Years. The third chapter is the last and longest chapter of the entire story. Again, I do not own A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, I only used the song as an inspiration and reference for the story. I also do not own Pokemon, because if I did, I would have let Ash and Misty get married by now.
Chapter 3 will come in a while. Until then, reviews please! They inspire me even more to write for the third chapter, so keep them coming! ^^
~ EMPG22HoPe xD